Petrol stations across South Africa are undergoing a transformation. No longer just a place to refuel, they’re now convenience hubs tailored to modern commuter needs. New data from Lightstone offers fresh insights into which brands are leading the way in popularity, service, and adaptability.
Engen Tops the Charts in Johannesburg
Engen petrol stations are the most visited by Johannesburg drivers—making it the most preferred brand in the country’s most vehicle-dense region. With over 1,000 outlets nationwide, Engen leads the market not only in size but also in customer traffic.
Lightstone’s research is based on real-world travel data gathered from more than 600 service stations in Johannesburg and over 5,000 nationwide. Given that Gauteng houses over 3.3 million of South Africa’s 8 million registered passenger vehicles, Engen’s dominance in Joburg reflects a nationwide trend.
High-Traffic Engen Locations in Joburg
Among the most visited Engen stations in Johannesburg are:
- Oxford Service Station
- M1 North and South stations
- My City Sandton Court
- Midway Mews Convenience Centre
These high-traffic locations highlight the brand’s strategic placement and its appeal to urban commuters.
Petrol Stations as Convenience Hotspots
Lightstone’s data also points to a significant shift in how petrol stations are being used. Increasingly, they are becoming go-to spots for convenience shopping, especially outside traditional retail hours. The busiest hours for convenience-related visits are between 7 PM and 6 AM, showing that consumers rely on petrol stations for more than just fuel—whether it’s grabbing a coffee, snacks, or basic essentials.
A key measure of this trend is the “convenience score.” For example, if 1% of all fuel stops happen at midnight but 2% are for convenience purposes, it suggests consumers are twice as likely to stop for non-fuel reasons at that hour.
Astron Energy: A Fast-Growing Competitor
Following its acquisition of Chevron’s Southern African operations in 2017, Astron Energy has quickly become a major player. The company began rebranding Caltex stations in 2022 and had reached the halfway point by late 2024. Once the rebranding is complete, Astron will boast over 850 service stations, securing its place as the second-largest network after Engen.
Interestingly, Astron sees peak traffic between 6 AM and 10 AM, pointing to a strong commuter base. This morning rush pattern is somewhat unique and reflects its focus on serving weekday travel routines.
National Fuel Station Rankings
South Africa’s fuel station rankings by network size are currently as follows:
- Engen – Over 1,000 stations
- Astron Energy – Over 850 stations (once rebranding completes)
- Shell – Nearly 600 stations (though in the process of exiting the market)
- TotalEnergies – Approximately 550 stations
- BP – Roughly 500 stations
Shell’s 2024 decision to withdraw from the service station market has opened a significant opportunity for other players to expand. Whoever acquires Shell’s network will inherit the third-largest set of stations in the country.
The Shift Toward Non-Fuel Services
The post-COVID era has redrawn many aspects of commuter behaviour. More people work remotely, and travel patterns have shifted. As a result, fuel retailers are adapting, with many investing heavily in non-fuel offerings like food courts, coffee shops, car washes, and even pharmacies.
“Fuel retail has seen more change in the past few years than in the decade before it,” said Mohit Narotam, Managing Director of Lightstone Retail. He highlights how brand loyalty is being reshaped, not just by fuel prices or locations, but by how well stations meet broader consumer needs.
Looking Ahead: More Than Just Fuel
As South African drivers demand more from their pit stops, fuel stations are evolving into full-service destinations. Engen leads the pack in terms of popularity and scale, with Astron Energy fast emerging as a strong challenger. With convenience becoming a key driver of choice, the future of fuel retail in South Africa looks to be more customer-centric, competitive, and dynamic than ever before.
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